sleep apnea

noun

: apnea that recurs during sleep and is caused especially by obstruction of the airway or a disturbance in the brain's respiratory center

Examples of sleep apnea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But for many others, sleep problems run much deeper as millions of people live with sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, circadian rhythm disorders or sleep apnea. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026

For example, obstructive sleep apnea is common in people who are overweight or have obesity. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 6 July 2026

GLP-1s are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, a form of fatty liver disease called MASH and risk reduction related to cardiovascular events. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Medicare beneficiaries who have sleep apnea, diabetes or fatty liver disease can’t access the program, but their Medicare Part D insurance might cover their GLP-1s separately based on those diagnoses. — Ali Swenson, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sleep apnea

• hypercapnia

Medical Definition

sleep apnea

noun

: brief periods of recurrent cessation of breathing during sleep that is caused especially by obstruction of the airway or a disturbance in the brain's respiratory center and is associated especially with excessive daytime sleepiness